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All Blacks

NZSchools team named for internationals

The 2012 New Zealand Schools team to play in a three-match programme including international Tests against Australia Schools and Samoa Schools this month has been named today.

Coach Nigel Hotham has announced a 23-strong squad for his first New Zealand Schools team which will assemble on Saturday 22 September ahead of a match against Waikato Under 20s (25 September), Samoa Schools (29 September) and Australia Schools (6 October).

On the same day, the New Zealand Barbarians announced their first New Zealand Barbarians Schools team, which is effectively be a New Zealand Schools B team.

Hotham said he was very impressed with the calibre of rugby talent coming through New Zealand schools.

"It has been really heartening to see such great young talent out there. First XV rugby in New Zealand is in great nick and I believe it's the best in the world at this level. I believe it gives us an edge in terms of the depth and strength of talent among young players," he said.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for these boys - the dream of every rugby player is to become an All Black and I know that for these boys, this will be their first chance to pull on a black jersey," he said.

Hotham acknowledged two players who were not available for selection due to injury - Josh Dickson (Otago Boys High School) and Anton Lienert-Brown (Christchurch Boys' High School).

"I know these boys will be particularly disappointed, but at the same time, we are fortunate to have great depth in our selection choices."

New Zealand Schools take on the experienced Waikato Under 20s side as an opening test of their skills ahead of the internationals.

The team then takes on Samoa Schools and Australia Schools in Auckland.

The New Zealand Barbarians team, the first time a Schools Barbarians team has been named, will also play against Samoa Schools and Australia Schools.

The team will provide cover for the New Zealand Schools team, as well as giving younger Year 12 players an opportunity to experience international competition.